Best Online Certificate in Accounting Programs of 2024
Certificate programs offer fast, specialized training for learners. An online accounting certificate can launch your career as a bookkeeper, accounting clerk, or financial clerk.
Many top-ranked schools offer online accounting programs. An undergraduate certificate introduces learners to the accounting field and key accounting principles. Certificate programs provide focused accounting training for entry-level roles. After completing a certificate, distance learners can easily transfer into an online accounting degree program.
Earning an accounting certificate at the undergraduate level typically takes one year or less. Most certificate programs range from $1,000-$5,000 for in-state students. In comparison, the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) reports that the average cost of tuition and fees at a public institution was $21,854 in 2021-22. Our ranking introduces the best online certificate in accounting programs to help prospective students find the right fit for their budget, schedule, and career goals.
Featured Online Accounting Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Best Accredited Online Certificate in Accounting Programs
Delgado Community College
- New Orleans, LA
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$3,335
- Out-of-state$3,335
- Retention Rate57%
- Acceptance Rate0%
- Students Enrolled12,139
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment76%
- AccreditationYes
Rowan-Cabarrus Community College
- Salisbury, NC
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$2,432
- Out-of-state$8,576
- Retention Rate58%
- Acceptance Rate0%
- Students Enrolled6,716
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment82%
- AccreditationYes
Campbellsville University
- Campbellsville, KY
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$24,900
- Out-of-state$24,900
- In-State$8,473
- Out-of-state$8,473
- Retention Rate61%
- Acceptance Rate78%
- Students Enrolled10,238
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment70%
- AccreditationYes
West Kentucky Community and Technical College
- Paducah, KY
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$4,368
- Out-of-state$15,288
- Retention Rate58%
- Acceptance Rate0%
- Students Enrolled4,869
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment49%
- AccreditationYes
Wake Technical Community College
- Raleigh, NC
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$2,432
- Out-of-state$8,576
- Retention Rate67%
- Acceptance Rate0%
- Students Enrolled21,299
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment77%
- AccreditationYes
Fletcher Technical Community College
- Schriever, LA
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$3,335
- Out-of-state$3,335
- Retention Rate58%
- Acceptance Rate0%
- Students Enrolled1,762
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment78%
- AccreditationYes
Washtenaw Community College
- Ann Arbor, MI
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$4,056
- Out-of-state$5,736
- Retention Rate68%
- Acceptance Rate0%
- Students Enrolled10,884
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment86%
- AccreditationYes
University of Alaska Southeast
- Juneau, AK
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$8,460
- Out-of-state$25,440
- In-State$11,183
- Out-of-state$23,522
- Retention Rate65%
- Acceptance Rate63%
- Students Enrolled1,923
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment70%
- AccreditationYes
Butler County Community College
- Butler, PA
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$6,840
- Out-of-state$9,840
- Retention Rate61%
- Acceptance Rate0%
- Students Enrolled2,529
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment33%
- AccreditationYes
Rowan College at Burlington County
- Mount Laurel, NJ
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$3,608
- Out-of-state$4,583
- Retention Rate70%
- Acceptance Rate0%
- Students Enrolled6,273
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment65%
- AccreditationYes
How We Rank Schools
To create this ranking, BestColleges sourced the most recent data available from the National Center for Education Statistics and the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. We then ranked each school according to the top variables college students selected in our College Choice and Admissions Survey. To learn more, check out our full rankings methodology or read the summary below.
What Is an Online Certificate in Accounting Program?
Online accounting certificates provide a focused introduction to accounting. Certificate programs take less time than a degree, making them a good option for students curious about accounting or seeking the fastest route to accounting careers. Unlike a certification or license, certificates train learners in a subject. An accounting certificate introduces learners to the field and fundamental accounting principles.
Unlike degree-granting programs, certificate programs do not include general education requirements. Instead, students only take accounting courses. The format provides focused training for accounting careers. With a certificate, graduates work as accounting clerks or bookkeepers. They also transfer into degree-granting programs.
What Can I Expect From an Online Certificate in Accounting Program?
A certificate introduces college students to an academic discipline. Many certificate programs provide career-focused training. Earning an accounting certificate typically takes around one year. Most programs require 12-30 credits.
Learners in an online certificate in accounting program take classes in a virtual classroom environment. These classes may be offered live or through recorded lectures. Some programs offer self-paced options for students who prefer more flexibility. Distance learning programs incorporate interactive elements, group projects, and hands-on assignments to build accounting skills.
Certificate programs offer a focused course of study without general education requirements. At the undergraduate level, accounting certificates may offer a general accounting concentration or a more focused curriculum emphasizing bookkeeping or small business accounting. After completing a certificate, graduates can enter the workforce or transfer into a degree-granting program. Credits earned at an accredited school will often transfer toward a college degree.
What skills will you need to succeed in an accounting certificate program? Self-motivated, organized students often thrive in online accounting programs. Self-paced and asynchronous programs require discipline to complete program requirements. The accounting field also requires attention to detail and strong numerical skills.
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What Courses Will I Take in an Online Certificate in Accounting Program?
Accounting Principles
Learners examine core accounting principles, including the procedures to process financial transactions, record accounting information, and analyze financial documents. The course prepares students for more advanced accounting classes.Payroll Accounting
Bookkeepers and payroll clerks play a central role in a company’s operation. This course trains students in payroll accounting, including taxation regulations, processing benefits information, and managing payroll.Financial Statements
In financial statements courses, learners explore how to create and analyze financial documents. The class covers types of statements, foundational auditing principles, and accounting principles.Cost Accounting
The course introduces cost accounting concepts like process costing, cost-volume-profit analysis, and budgeting. Students learn about the role of accounting and financial statement analysis in decision-making.Managerial Accounting
Learners in managerial accounting classes examine the intersection between accounting and decision-making. The course covers economic decision-making, the role of accounting data, and the planning process.
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What Are the Admission Requirements for an Online Certificate in Accounting Program?
Colleges set different admission requirements for certificate programs. In general, an online certificate in accounting program will require a high school diploma or the equivalent. Some schools admit students without a high school diploma as part of high school partnership programs.
Prospective students typically fill out an application and provide transcripts showing their high school diploma. Most certificate programs do not require standardized test scores like the ACT or SAT. Applicants may need to provide a personal statement or letters of recommendation.
Certificate programs operate at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. Many business schools offer graduate certificates in accounting. These programs require a bachelor’s degree for admission.
What Can I Do With an Online Certificate in Accounting Degree?
Career Outlook
College-level training in accounting leads to many career opportunities. With a certificate in accounting, professionals work as bookkeepers, accounting clerks, bank tellers, and financial clerks. These careers report median salaries in line with the national average.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for bookkeepers and accounting clerks was $47,440 in 2023. The BLS projects 183,900 openings for bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks every year from 2022-2032.
After completing an accounting certificate, professionals can also increase their earning potential by pursuing a college degree. A bachelor’s degree meets the educational requirement for accountant and auditor jobs. This growing field reported a median annual salary of $79,880 in 2023.
An accounting certificate can be the first step into a high-paying career.
Career Paths
Bookkeeper
Bookkeepers maintain the general ledger for an organization’s financial accounts. The general ledger lists financial transactions, debits, and credits. Bookkeepers use financial data to create statements and reports. They may also handle payroll processing, create invoices, and prepare bank deposits. Bookkeepers need a strong attention to detail.
- Median Annual Salary:$47,440
Accounting Clerk
Accounting clerks process financial transactions, calculate interest charges, and monitor accounts. They specialize in areas like accounts payable or accounts receivable. With experience, accounting clerks review financial documents for completeness, code financial documents, and balance billing vouchers.
- Median Annual Salary:$47,440
Bank Teller
Bank tellers process transactions at banks. They deposit cash and checks into accounts, process money orders, and exchange currencies. Bank tellers also help customers by answering questions, ordering bank cards, or preparing savings bonds. Bank tellers benefit from a background in accounting and customer service skills.
- Median Annual Salary:$37,640
Financial Clerk
Financial clerks perform administrative tasks that involve financial transactions and records. They assist customers by carrying out financial transactions, calculating charges, and maintaining financial records. A background in accounting helps financial clerks in billing, payroll, insurance, and loan processing.
- Median Annual Salary:$47,070
Administrative Assistant
Administrative assistants perform clerical tasks in office settings. They schedule meetings, file documents, and provide support services. An administrative assistant with a background in accounting might file financial documents, prepare accounting reports, or perform bookkeeping services. Administrative assistants also specialize in areas like healthcare and law.
- Median Annual Salary:$46,010
Continuing Education
A bachelor’s degree meets the minimum education requirement for higher-paying roles like accountant or auditor. According to BLS data from May 2023, accountants earn a median annual salary of $79,880. Accountants can also pursue voluntary certifications to move into specialized roles.
Accounting Not For You? Check Out These Related Careers.
How Do I Choose an Online Certificate in Accounting Program?
Cost
Many students list cost as the most important factor when choosing a program. Fortunately, an online certificate in accounting can be very affordable. Many community colleges offer online certificate programs that take around one year. According to the NCES, students paid an average of $3,564 for one year at a community college in 2021-22.
When researching programs, compare online and on-campus costs while also checking the program’s total cost. Total program cost includes expenses such as technology fees, materials, and forgone income.
Program Format
Colleges offer online certificate programs in several formats. Learners can enroll either full time or part time. Working professionals and busy students may prefer a part-time option. Programs also offer classes both synchronously and asynchronously. These program formats will shape the student’s experience while earning a certificate.
Location
Program location is important, even for online learners. For programs with on-campus requirements, attending a school close to you can save you money. Consider the benefits and tradeoffs of local programs –– the nearest program might not offer the most affordable tuition rate, for example.
Accreditation
Independent, non-profit agencies grant accreditation to schools that demonstrate strong student learning outcomes, faculty qualifications, and academic missions. Accredited schools meet high standards for academic excellence, and students at an accredited school also qualify for more types of financial aid.
Colleges and universities should hold institutional accreditation, while accounting certificates may hold programmatic accreditation from the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) and the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).
Student Support
The best online colleges provide a range of student services. These services include academic advising, career support, and tutoring. Online learners also benefit from mentorship programs and internship opportunities. Research the school’s student support services when choosing a certificate program.
Featured Online Accounting Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Frequently Asked Questions About Certificate in Accounting Programs
An accounting certificate introduces learners to core accounting principles. An affordable certificate from a community college can help professionals decide whether an accounting career is right for them. Since certificates take less time and cost less than a degree, they’re a good option for learners who want to try out a field.
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